ok, OT motorcycle guys, i need to replace my motorcycle

[nynor]

i have a strong maybe on selling my triumph (offer made and accepted, no cash in hand).

i will be replacing this bike. i am interested in just about anything that is not a cruiser or dual sport and i am looking for suggestions. my criteria are listed below. if you have experience with your suggestion and/or wish to support your argument, i would love to read/hear. the criteria are not necessarily in order of importance.

i have a budget of about $4k

sport bike (or close derivative)

500cc's is bare minimum. i am thinking 600cc's is probably closer to the minimum, but i don't want or need some monster machine.

must be reliable and not needing work or tires at the time of purchase

can be vintage, but prefer post 1985


it is ok to tell me that i am dreaming or up in the night.

[1967 R50/2]

BMW K75S w/ABS.

Smooth and sporty, but can still cross continents or pick up groceries. A very flexible machine in the sense it can be used for many, many things.

For $4k you might be able to find one. Probably appreciating in value so be selective.

[porsche4life]

That price will pick you up any flavor of post 2000 Jap sport bike around here.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I ride a Suzuki Katana (a '99, but you can certainly find newer for $4k). Very good bike. It's a GSXR drivetrain - the only difference is different cams. The posture is a bit more upright and comortable too - not hunched over like on a crotch rocket. I love it. The only thing I'd consider giving it up for would be a Bandit 1200, which I've test-ridden and really like. Either one is a great bike.

If you look carefully, I suspect you might be able to pick up a used Ducati for around $4k these days. Lots of people being forced to sell off their toys to make McMansion payments - go take advantage if you can!

[nynor]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I ride a Suzuki Katana (a '99, but you can certainly find newer for $4k). Very good bike. It's a GSXR drivetrain - the only difference is different cams. The posture is a bit more upright and comortable too - not hunched over like on a crotch rocket. I love it. The only thing I'd consider giving it up for would be a Bandit 1200, which I've test-ridden and really like. Either one is a great bike.

If you look carefully, I suspect you might be able to pick up a used Ducati for around $4k these days. Lots of people being forced to sell off their toys to make McMansion payments - go take advantage if you can!

there is a ducati 900SS for sale locally for about $3800. very tempting. my only hesitation is maintenance costs.

[Gogar]

This is PPOT, you HAVE TO get a Ducati 900SS.

I rode my Triumph today; every time I ride it I think about selling it for the first half hour or so. And the last half hour. Tonight I met some friends for a drink and, coincidentally, the Ducati Owners Club was having a night at the same bar. It was tough.

Like Sydney said, you can get into any kind of japanese bike for peanuts, and have a great time. I'm into my Honda about $1K, and it's a hoot, and has more than double the hp of my/your Triumph.

But, if you want some class for the kind of money you're talking about, you should at least go ride a 900SS; I've heard from a few fellas the air-cooled Ducatis don't break the bank quite so much as the water-pumpers.

[84CAB]

Buell. Vtwin torque and cheap to buy and maintain. This is mine.

[javadog]

Suzuki Bandit 1200 or a first generation Suzuki GSX-R. Nice examples of either are bulletproof.

'96 to '02 Suzuki GSX-R750, if you can find a nice one in your price range.

JR

[Rot 911]

If you want something reliable, somewhat sporty and probably hasn't been beat to death by its previous owner I would go with a Suzuki SV650.



If you like living a bit more on the edge then of course a Duc. $3700 will get you this nice '99 750 Monster:

[VincentVega]

If you like Japanese reliability, a comfy ride and enough handling for most you should check out a Honda VFR. 4k will get a nice one.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Second the VFR recommendation, $4,000 gets you a nice one if you're reasonably careful.

[gt350mike]

I had a H-D a few years ago until someone stole it. My wife and I really have missed being on a bike but cannot swing the $$$ for a H-D, so we bought a 92 BMW K100 RS for $3400......it has 19k, new tires, all of the services performed.......it's in mint condition!

[gt350mike]

Here are a few photos...........

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by gt350mike

Here are a few photos...........

Thats a nice looking bike.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I like my '86 VFR but having 4 carbs sucks.

I second the Buell suggestion.

[ramonesfreak]

you can get a kawasaki zx-7r for that money...they made them forever so there are a million to choose from at various prices and condition. 750cc. awsome bike. i little too tall and heavy for me especially when parking but i wouldnt trade mine for anything. wicked fast and stable and reliable

[ramonesfreak]

here's one...seems nice. $2,750
http://speed.racingjunk.com/category/668/Ninja_ZX_7R/post/1597100/1997-Ninja.html

[tcar]

Duc doesn't meet the criteria - your 3rd sentence from the end.

VFR - nice.

[ramonesfreak]

sweet 900ss here
http://home.earthlink.net/~ducatifvr/

price not listed though. looks in great shape

[LeeH]

I have a 2006 Kawasaki Z750S for sale. 10K miles. New tires. New battery. Dealer where it's consigned is asking $5000. You can buy it directly from me for $4000.